About Us

THE HSMAI BOSTON CHAPTER MISSION

The HSMAI Boston Chapter goal is to contribute positively to the success of Boston hospitality industry as well as to the careers and personal development of industry professionals who live and work in the Greater New England area. Our chapter seeks to accomplish this via the following initiatives:

Offer original, innovative, and informative educational programming to instruct our members and their management of the best practices in the areas of sales, marketing and revenue management.

Host monthly networking events and opportunities for members to form mutually beneficial relationships to improve both their businesses and careers.

Highlight the accomplishments and the careers of area industry professionals with our annual Chapter Recognition Luncheon.

Founded in the United States in 1927, HSMAI is an individual membership organization comprised of nearly 7,000 members from 35 countries and chapters worldwide. HSMAI, a global organization of sales, marketing, and revenue management professionals, represents all segments of hospitality.

With a strong focus on education, HSMAI has become the industry champion, identifying and communicating trends in the hospitality industry. HSMAI is proud to be a leading voice for hospitality, sales, marketing, and revenue management disciplines. This thriving global organization ultimately fuels success by connecting its members with their target audience, while helping them cultivate loyal customers.

CHAPTER HISTORY

Boston hospitality sales and marketing professionals have been actively involved in Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) since H.A. Brooks from the Copley Plaza Hotel attended the first meeting of the “International Conference on Hotel Business Promotion” at the Belmont Hotel Chicago in September 1927 1. That meeting formed what we know today as the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International.

The HSMAI Boston Chapter has been based in Boston, Massachusetts since its inception. In 2006 the chapter incorporated in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is recognized as a 501 (c ) 6 non-profit corporation. Previous to the August 2009 chapter reorganization it was known as the HSMAI New England Chapter. HSMAI New England represented Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maine and New Hampshire until 2002 when it absorbed the Connecticut Valley Chapter and 2005 when it absorbed the Vermont Chapter. As of today HSMAI Boston represents all six New England states.

Intertwined with the history of HSMAI Boston are legendary hotels and the careers of industry giants. In 1941 Boston hosted the annual Hotel Sales Managers’ Association Conference (its name at the time). “Then Massachusetts Governor Leverett Saltonstall officially opened the meeting’s exhibition of stellar sales and advertising materials” 1. Winners included the Hotel New Yorker, New York for local advertising, the Parker House Boston for direct mail, and the Providence-Biltmore, Providence for convention promotion*.

Because of the level of commitment and professionalism in the New England hospitality community, HSMAI Boston has had five individuals who served as International Presidents of HSMAI*:

HSMAI Boston has survived the ups and downs of the hospitality industry along with its members. HSMAI Boston would like to thank the Greater Boston & New England hospitality communities, the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors’ Bureau, the Massachusetts Lodging Association, Meeting Professionals International New England Chapter, Expedia, Inc. and Boston University for their past and ongoing support. HSMAI Boston would also like to thank the following individuals for their support over the last 20+ years: the legendary Irma Mann, CHME; Rachelle Boudreau, Director of Marketing, Langham Hotel Boston; Gary Leopold, CHME, President & CEO, ISM; and John Murtha, General Manager, Omni Parker House.